China: Snowstorms spoil Lunar New Year travel for millions

BBC News:

Snowstorms and freezing rain have disrupted transportation in large parts of China as millions of people travel for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Hundreds of flights and train services have been cancelled while motorists have been stranded on frozen highways for days.

The holiday sets off the “largest annual human migration” as millions in China travel to their hometowns.

Travel has also picked up after Covid-19 curbs were lifted over a year ago.

Authorities expect 480 million trips to be made for the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. The volume is 40% higher compared to the previous year.

China’s meteorological service has warned of the worst winter weather since 2008. The country’s central region – including provinces like Hebei, Hubei, and Anhui – has borne the brunt of the freezing conditions.

On social media, Chinese people said the bitter cold spoiled their plans to reunite with family. They posted pictures of themselves stranded in trains and railway stations as power lines were cut.

The Lunar New Year falls on 10 February, a Saturday.